Impact receiving exercise device

ABSTRACT

A device is disclosed that is suitable for use in practicing karate and exercising in a limited space. The present exercise device comprises a horizontal member to which is attached a vertical member, wherein the vertical member has an impact member adjacent a lower end thereof and a cushioning member along its length. When kicked or otherwise struck by the user at the impact member, the vertical member will move upwardly making a complete circle or will be biased by a resilient element to return to its original position thus permitting the user to ward off or block the return of the vertical member by contact at the cushioning member or a further blow at the impact member. The vertical member moves around an axis defined by the horizontal member either through a pivotal connection with the horizontal member or in conjunction with the horizontal member when the horizontal member is journaled for rotation on a support frame or has gripping devices rotatably received thereon.

United States Patent [191 Irby 3,724,845 Apr. 3, 1973 [54] IMPACTRECEIVING EXERCISE Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham DEVICE AssistantExaminer-R. T. Stouffer [76] Inventor: James E. lrby, Route 3, Box 145,Attorney-wanna Manmngjr' Spartanburg, SC. 29301 ABSTRACT v [22] Flled:1971 A device is disclosed that is suitable for use in practic- [21]Appl. No.: 125,593 ing karate and exercising in a limited space. Thepresent exercise device comprises a horizontal member to which isattached a vertical member, [52] U.S.Cl. ..272/76 wherein the verticalmember has an impact member [51] Int. Cl. ..A63b 69/20 i ad acent alower end thereof and a cushioning [58] Fleld of Search 273/26 55 memberalong its length. When kicked or otherwise 273/55 A, 55 B, 58 C, 200 R,200 A, 200 B, struck by the user at the impact member, the vertical 95 Amember will move upwardly making a complete circle or will be biased bya resilient element to return to its [56] References C'ted originalposition thus permitting the user to ward off or block the return of thevertical member by contact UNITED STATES PATENTS at the cushioningmember or a further blow at the impact member. The vertical member movesaround an 2,305,187 12/1942 Neiden ..272/78 X axis defined by thehorizontal member either through 1,782,254 30 B e e bac 273/58 C UX apivotal connection with the horizontal member or in ,3 8/1968 Nash. Econjunction with the horizontal member when the 658,554 9/1900 MF adden"272/73 horizontal member is journaled for rotation on a sup- 650-781 5/1900 Cume "272/77 port frame or has gripping devices rotatably received771,925 10/1904 O'Connor ..272/78 thereon 13 Claims, 7 Drawing FiguresHa I I I9 I I 7 I I2 LL I t I424 H9 I42\r\ w I I20 ie m 1/ 4/ W I I I840 |4 L I I; fi

1 IMPACT RECEIVING EXERCISE DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Numerousexercise devices have been devised heretofore that permit an individualusing same to strengthen various body muscles or to improve coordinationthereof by use of the particular device. Such devices have, in general,been confined to improving the body muscles through pushing, pulling orthe like. More and more individuals are now undergoing instruction inthe art of karate, a basic oriental art of selfdefense whichsimultaneously enables the individual to realize a state of goodphysical condition. An exercise device which enables one to practicekarate and simultaneously maintain good physical condition wouldtherefore be quite desirable.

Important facets in the field of karate include kicks with the foot,blocks with the hand and/or forearm and blows with the knees and elbows.Certain devices have previously been conceived for the practice of kicksand blocks for the karate student, but these devices have historicallybeen permanently installed in a gymnasium or practice area. None have,however, been designed that are portable and are suitable for use by anindividual in the home or the like where only a limited practice area isavailable.

The present device is quite suited for use in a small space and achievesthe aforesaid double purpose. The individual using the present devicecan conveniently practice all versions of karate kicks and otheroffensive maneuvers while at the same time receiving practice indefensive maneuvers such as warding off or blocking. As such, theindividual using the exercise device of the present invention can becomemore proficient in both the offensive and defensive concepts of karate,tone the body muscles and maintain a good overall physical condition. I

While, as mentioned above, other exercise devices are known, the priorart is devoid of any teaching or suggestion of a device similar to theexercise device as taught by the present invention. Exemplary of theknown prior art are US. Pat. Nos. 2,749,121 to Myers;

2,940,757 to Britt; 3,096,979 to Lacy and 3,228,683 to Leteff.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Another object of the present invention is toprovidea novel karate exercise device that may be hand held or mountedwhen used.

Generally speaking, the device of the presentinvention comprises ahorizontal member; a vertical member associated with said horizontalmember, said vertical member being movable in a vertical plane; impactmeans received on said vertical member adjacent one end thereof; andcushion means received on said vertical member adjacent said impactmeans.

More specifically, the exercise device of the present invention isnormally in the configuration of a T with the vertical member secured insome fashion to the horizontal member at approximately the mid-point ofthe horizontal member. The vertical member which may be adjustable inlength is provided at a free end thereof with a device to receive impactfrom the foot or other part of the users body. Upon receiving the blowsuch as a kick, the vertical member or the vertical and horizontalmember depending upon the association therebetween, begins to rotate ina vertical plane. Free rotation of the vertical member may be permittedwhereby the vertical member will make a complete circle if properlystruck,-or the vertical member may be provided with resilient meanswhich will cause the vertical member to return in the direction of theuser, being propelled by the force of the resilient member. The user mayin either instance free one of his arms and block the oncoming verticalmember by striking the cushion means or the impact means.

Rotatable movement of the vertical member may be accomplished in severalways. First, the. rotatable member may be pivotally secured to thehorizontal member so as to rotate t'herearound. Secondly, the horizontalmember and vertical member may be rigidly secured with the horizontalmember having rotatably received thereon a gripping device. In additionto the rotation of the vertical member, the connection between thevertical member and the horizontal member may be pivotal in a horizontalsense such that the vertical member may extend at an angle outwardlyfrom the horizontal member so as-to permit the vertical member to rotatewith the free end of the vertical member coming in an are away from thecenter line of the horizontal member so as to permit the user to wardoff the oncoming blow at the side as opposed to the center.

If desired, the device of the present invention may be provided withclamp means-to secure same within a door jamb. Also, a pair of freestanding support frames may be provided for receiving the exercisedevice at various heights thereon.

Impact and cushion means may be integral or separate. Moreover,depending upon the intended use, these aforesaid means may be providedat varying degrees of hardness. Hence one cancushion a blow with a softmeans or condition the various striking body areas with a relativelyhard means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of adevice according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of an exercise device according to theteachings of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a further embodi- FIG. 6,is anelevational view showing an impact means according to the teachings ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view showing a cushioning means according tothe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Making reference to theFigures, the preferred embodiments of the. present invention will now bedescribed in detail.

In FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present in- I member 14 such asa pin, cotter key or the like is pro vided to hold gripping element 12on cut down portion vertical member 16 so as to prevent injury to theuser.

.Moreover, if desired, impact means 18 and cushion means 20 may be onecontinuous element.

Impact means 18 and cushioning means 20 may be manufactured from variousmaterials as desired. For instance, either or both means 18 and 20 maybe a hard element covered with fabric whereby the user of the device cancondition his hands, feet, knees, elbows, etc. by striking the hardsurface. Likewise, either or both of means 18-and 20 may be producedfrom soft resilient materials whereby any individual could practicekarate without the danger of harm to the striking part of the body. Asoft surface could be provided by numerous materials. A fabric coveredlayer of foam or matted fibrous materials is quite acceptable.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the present invention wherein ahorizontal member 110 is rotatably secured to a vertical member 116.Horizontal member 110 is provided with knurled areas 112 that serve asgripping surfaces for the exercise device. Vertical 11. Gripping element12 is thus free to rotate with respect to horizontal member 10.

A vertical member 16 is secured to horizontal member 10 at approximatelythe mid-point thereof. As will be seen hereinafter, the associationbetween vertical member. 16 and horizontal member 10 may be varied asdesired. For example, vertical member 16 may be glued, welded, orotherwise rigidly secured to horizontal member 10. The free opposite endof verti-.

cal member 16 is shown having an impact means 18 received thereon.Impact means 18 is shown as having calmember 16 by a flexible element18" such as a cord as shown in phantom in FIG. 7 to provide a floatingball for kick and other blow practicing.

A cushioning means 20 is also provided on vertical member 16. Cushioningmeans 20 may be rigidly secured to vertical member 16 or may be slidablysecured around vertical member 16 so as to move up and down thereon. Asshown in FIG. 7, cushion means may. wrap around vertical member 16 andbe secured to itself by filamentaryattachment means 21 and-22 such asVelcro or otherwise secured to vertical member 16 in any suitablefashion. Velcro is a trademark for goods comprising a matt of filamentson one panel with a plurality of hook type filaments on an opposingpanel. When the opposing panels are brought together and some pressureapplied, the hooks catch on the matted filaments and hold the panelstogether. Conversely, cushioning means 20 may be a mere layer of foam orother resilient material secured to or around member 116 is providedwith a yoke 117 at the upper end thereof through which horizontal memberpasses so as to permit rotation of yoke 1 17 and vertical member 116therearound. Connection between yoke 117 and horizontal member 110 maybe as desired. As

shown in FIG. 3, 0 rings 119 and 119' are provided on opposite sides ofyoke 117 so as to limit movement of 117 axially along horizontal member110. The free end of vertical member 116, opposite yoke 117, is providedwith an impact means 118. Immediately above impact means 118 is acushioning means 120 which surrounds vertical member 116 and is securedthereto.

As further shown in FIG. 3, a framework is provided for supporting anexercise device. An elongated support is provided with a suitable base141, and a plurality of openings 142 along its length. Using two suchelongated supports, the exercise device may be suspended therebetween.When exercise device is suspended in lower openings 142 and secured forrotation in any desired manner, the impact means 118 may be kicked orstruck with the knee which would cause vertical member 116 to movearound an axis through the openings 142. As vertical member 116 comesaround to return to its original position, the user may raise hisforearm, hand or the like and contact cushioning means 120 to block themoving device. Movement of the device along the various openings providefurther versatility in changing the height of the impact means 118 for ahigher kick, for a hand blow or the like.

A further modification to the, arrangement shown in FIG. 3 isillustrated in broken lines. A resilient member such as a length ofrubber may be secured to vertical member 116 and to the elongatedsupports 140. A

blow to impact means 118 would thus cause resilient member 170 tostretch and at the apex of movement of impact means 118, to propelimpact means 118 and vertical member 116 back in the direction fromwhich the blow came. The user may then block the oncoming device ordeliver a further blow thereto.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, in that, ahorizontal member 210 is provided having spring loaded holding members219 and 219 on opposite sides of a yoke 217. Members 2l9 and 219 resideunder spring tension against springs (not shown) in cavities 210' and210". Downward pressure forces members 219 and 219 down into cavities210 and 210 whereby yoke 217 would be permitted to pass thereover andoff horizontal member 210. As further shown in FIG. 5, vertical member216 is not integral with or rigidly secured to yoke 217, but ispivotally secured to yoke 217 at pivot point 216'. The pivotalconnection between yoke 217 and vertical member 216 is provided with alocking member 225 which permits vertical member 216 to be moved to adesired location on either side of pivot 216' and locked in thatposition. As such, the use of the exercise device of the presentinvention permits one to strike the impact means from either side of thenormal vertical position for member 216. Further, it should be notedthat while the pivotal connection is shown between vertical member 216and yoke 217, such a connection could likewise be found in theembodiment shown in FIG. 1 where there is rigid securement betweenhorizontal member and vertical member 16. In such an embodiment, thegripping devices permit movement of the horizontal and vertical memberstogether as opposed to the yoke shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 5 shows still a further embodiment of the present invention whereina vertical member 316 is shown to be segmented so as to be adjustable inlength. In FIG. 5, vertical member 316 is comprised of telescopingsections 317 and 317 having a locking means 316 being positioned at thelower end of section 317 so as to secure the sections 317 and 317. in aparticular relationship. The vertical member 316 as shown in FIG. 5 hasan impact means 318 and a cushioning means 320 and may be employed inany of the embodiments heretofore shown.

The exercise device of the present invention may be manufactured fromsuch materials as are desired. It is preferred, however, that thehorizontal and vertical members be manufactured from a reinforcedplastic or a lightweight metal such as aluminum. Additionally,

though the impact means is shown as a rounded member in the Figures, theimpact means may take such shape and form as is desired so long as sharpand pointed edges are avoided. Moreover, it may be a substructurecovered by fabric, leather or the like or may be a bag that is filledwith sand, sawdust or the like. Additionally, the impact means could berepresented by a mere covering on the lower free end of the verticalmember which would receive the impact from the users foot or the likewithout causing damage to the limb of the user. Insofar as the cushionmeans is concerned, any type material such as foam, laminated fabric orthe like may be utilized so as to cover a portion of the vertical memberwhere the individual using same may engage the vertical member with hisforearm or hand so as to ward off the oncoming member without causingundue damage to the individual.

Use of the present invention is brought about as follows. The individualgrips the device by the gripping elements 12 or the knurled areas 112(FIG. 3) and holds same at a desired location. Depending upon theembodiment of the invention, the vertical member 16 may be in a verticaldisposition or may be angularly disposed from horizontal member 10 offto one side. The individual then kicks or otherwise strikes the impactmeans 18 so as to propel vertical member 16 in an upward are which, ifunobstructed, would make a complete circle around an axis throughhorizontal member 10. For best use of the device, instead of permittingthe vertical member 16 to make the complete circle, the individualreleases a right or left hand and with the hand or forearm strikes thevertical member 16 at cushion means 20 which stops the downward movementof vertical member 16 and propels vertical member 16 back through thearc toward its original hanging position. This kicking and blockingaction may be continued as desired, switching hands or feet as desired.Moreover, with the device suspended as shown in FIG. 3 or from someother support frame, the individual is completely free to employ anybody areas for striking or blocking.

Having described the present invention in detail, it is obvious that oneskilled in the art will be able to make variations and modificationsthereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be limited onlyby the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

1. An exercise device comprising:

a. a straight, rigid horizontal member;

b. a rigid vertical member attached at approximately the midpoint ofsaid horizontal member;

c. means enabling rotation of said vertical member in a substantiallyfull circle around said horizontal member;

d. impact means received on said vertical member adjacent one endthereof; and

e. cushion means received on said vertical member adjacent said impactmeans. 1

2. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said rotationenabling means are gripping members rotatably secured around oppositeends of said horizontal member.

3. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said vertical memberis adjustable in length.

4. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said impact meanscomprises a padded device secured to said vertical member to receive ablow and cause said vertical member to move.

5. An exercise device as definedin claim 4 wherein said impact means isan enlarged padded element secured to the end of said vertical member.

I 6. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said cushion meanscomprises a material secured to said vertical member to prevent damageto an individual using same when said vertical member is movmg.

7. An exercise device as defined in claim 6 wherein said cushion meansis a resilient material wrapped around said vertical member.

8. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid vertical memberis pivotally secured to said horizontal member.

9. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said rotationenabling means are gripping handles secured to said horizontal member atopposite ends thereof, said vertical member is rigidly secured to saidhorizontal member, said impact means comprising an element secured to anend of said vertical member opposite the end of said member secured tosaid horizontal member, said element being filled on the inside withhorizontal member at various heights.

12. An exercise device as defined in claim 10 wherein said verticalmember is rotatably received around said horizontal member.

13. An exercise device as defined in claim 12 wherein a resilient memberis secured to said frame across the path of travel of said verticalmember.

1. An exercise device comprising: a. a straight, rigid horizontalmember; b. a rigid vertical member attached at approximately themidpoint of said horizontal member; c. means enabling rotation of saidvertical member in a substantially full circle around said horizontalmember; d. impact means received on said vertical member adjacent oneend thereof; and e. cushion means received on said vertical memberadjacent said impact means.
 2. An exercise device as defined in claim 1wherein said rotation enabling means are gripping members rotatablysecured around opposite ends of said horizontal member.
 3. An exercisedevice as defined in claim 1 wherein said vertical member is adjustablein length.
 4. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein saidimpact means comprises a padded device secured to said vertical memberto receive a blow and cause said vertical member to move.
 5. An exercisedevice as defined in claim 4 wherein said impact means is an enlargedpadded element secured to the end of said Vertical member.
 6. Anexercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said cushion meanscomprises a material secured to said vertical member to prevent damageto an individual using same when said vertical member is moving.
 7. Anexercise device as defined in claim 6 wherein said cushion means is aresilient material wrapped around said vertical member.
 8. An exercisedevice as defined in claim 1 wherein said vertical member is pivotallysecured to said horizontal member.
 9. An exercise device as defined inclaim 1 wherein said rotation enabling means are gripping handlessecured to said horizontal member at opposite ends thereof, saidvertical member is rigidly secured to said horizontal member, saidimpact means comprising an element secured to an end of said verticalmember opposite the end of said member secured to said horizontalmember, said element being filled on the inside with an impact absorbingmaterial, and said cushion means comprising a resilient material securedto said vertical member along its length.
 10. An exercise device asdefined in claim 1 comprising further: f. a support frame for saidhorizontal member.
 11. An exercise device as defined in claim 10 whereinsaid frame is provided with a plurality of openings along its length forrotatably receiving said horizontal member at various heights.
 12. Anexercise device as defined in claim 10 wherein said vertical member isrotatably received around said horizontal member.
 13. An exercise deviceas defined in claim 12 wherein a resilient member is secured to saidframe across the path of travel of said vertical member.